BUSINESS PLAN SUMMARY

Financial planning for any business requires both balance and structure.  A community service entity must rely on a mix of memberships, programs & services, planned giving, and ongoing fundraising.  In addition, grant seeking opportunities need to be a continuous endeavor.  Although these can not be pre-planned into a budget, the goal and purpose of grants that promote the mission and vision of the organization need to be considered in budgeting as income/outgo based on programs and services provided through the grant.

PROJECTED EXPENSES

Based on review of previous year’s expenses, the projected expense to run the facility is approximately $30,000/month for an annual total of $360,000 per year.  The greatest expense of the facility is related to utilities and especially related to inefficient or ‘bandaged’ equipment.  A priority for improvement will be in obtaining grant funding to improve this with resulting savings in energy efficiency and facility feasibility.  If the MSHDA grant is not received, this item will remain top priority in grant seeking. This is considered an urgent priority and focused effort will be placed on this in order to attain the increased utility efficiencies and projected cost savings within the first year of operations.

PROJECTED REVENUE

 Again based on review of previous years and recent numbers of memberships, day passes, special events & programs, these items are expected to bring in approximately $190,000 annually.  Fundraising of $100,000 is required prior to moving forward with this endeavor and ongoing fundraising will continue to be part of the annual budget.  Program support through collaboration with other groups and organizations will provide approximately $30,000. Grant seeking will be a priority for all areas of service.  Collaboration with community service entities and aligning programs that meet the mission and vision of the organization with grants that support community betterment will increase our viability with these.

PROGRAMS

It is expected that most of the programs previously in place under the direction of other groups will resume.  However, review of facility and program use will be completed and programs adjusted accordingly to meet the needs of the members, community, and organizations from surrounding areas.  Promoting health of youth, adults, and seniors will be a priority.  Special emphasis will include mentoring, leadership, and encouraging healthy life choices for youth.  Community and individual betterment for adults including classes and support related to health, parenting, and financial planning/money management. New youth opportunities to provide a safe and productive outlet for youth and young adults to promote community wellness.  New adult opportunities are planned to allow year-round opportunities for some of the things we can’t do because of our UP weather. New family oriented wellness programs are planned in collaboration with many area organizations.  The plan is for many of the services to be contracted in order to reduce overhead and wage costs related to operating programs.

PLANNED GIVING, FUNDRAISING & GRANTS

As with any non-profit, community service organization, fundraising and planned giving are a necessary part of revenue.  Not only does this provide needed income it also keeps the community and surrounding businesses and organizations involved and vested in the programs and services offered.

Overall impact of the Program

The impact the facility has on the community can not be overstated.  It is an essential resource for the schools as a location for practices, tournaments, meets, ‘perk’ trips, and after school and summer programs.  It provides youth, adults, seniors, and people with limited abilities with a safe location to maintain physical activity, promote wellness, and in many cases improve quality of life.  Many physicians actually refer patients to the pool because it works so well for therapy.  Practices and tournaments bring participants, usually including several family members each, to the community generating revenue for nearby businesses.  And finally, keeping this building as an active, occupied building prevents it from quickly becoming one of the many buildings becoming vandalized and‘blight on the community’ and considered for demolition.  We have an amazing resource available right on our doorstep; it would be a shame if we can’t pull together as a community to keep this facility operating long into the future.